Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

Pelvic organ prolapse refers to a medical condition that affects the reproductive organs of women. During pelvic organ prolapse, a certain pelvic organ - such as the bladder, uterus or small bowel - descends and starts to push against the vagina.

Pelvic organ prolapse can be very painful, but it is treatable. Request more information about pelvic organ prolapse today: call (408) 946-9453or contact us online.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms

A prolapse is a medical term that refers to any internal organ descending out of place.  In the case of a pelvic organ prolapse, it refers specifically to any of the organs kept in place by a woman's pelvic floor.

This “floor” is actually a strong muscle tissue designed to keep organs in place and prevent them from descending. For various reasons, the pelvic floor can become weakened, causing a pelvic organ prolapse.

The different types of pelvic organ prolapse are categorized by which organ has descended. The different pelvic organs include:

• Bladder - known as a cystocele prolapse
• Uterus - known as a uterine prolapse
• Urethra - known as a urethrocele prolapse
• Vagina - known as a vaginal vault prolapse
• Small Bowel - known as enterocele prolapse
• Rectum - known as a rectocele prolapse

When a prolapse in any of these organs occurs, it can cause many symptoms. Possible pelvic organ prolapsesymptoms include:

• Backache
• Pressure in the pelvis
• Painful intercourse
• Constipation
• Spotting or bleeding
• Urinary incontinence
• Visible tissue “falling” out of the vagina

Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

While the bladder prolapse (cystocele) is the most common, all of the different types stem from many of the same causes. In essence, any issue or treatment that puts extra pressure on the abdomen can lead to a prolapse.

Potential causes of pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Hysterectomy
• Pelvic organ cancer (uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and so on) 
• Obesity
• Weight gain
• Respiratory diseases
• Constipation
• Genetics

Of these issues, pregnancy is by far the most common pelvic organ prolapse cause. In many women, it is a combination of several of these issues that leads to a prolapse. Fortunately, pelvic organ prolapse is treatable in most cases.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse will vary depending on the severity of the issue. Some minor cases of prolapse will subside in time without treatment. Others may require more invasive methods.

Types of pelvic organ prolapse treatment include:

• Preventive measures: In many cases, working to strengthen the pelvic floor after pregnancy, etc. with pelvic floor therapy can help prevent a prolapse. This can include kegel exercises and weight loss plans
• Inserted devices: In cases where the pelvic floor is weakened, it can sometimes be strengthened with the uses of a rubber, plastic or silicone device known as a pessary. These devices must be inserted regularly and maintained by the patient.
• Surgery: For severe cases of pelvic organ prolapse, surgery will be required. During pelvic organ prolapse surgery/ pelvic reconstructive surgery, a surgeon will manually adjust the pelvic organs and tighten the pelvic floor. This is sometimes done with robotic gynecologic surgery.

Request Treatment Information Today

Pelvic organ prolapse is an issue that many women face at some point in their lives. Request more information about prolapse treatment today: call (408) 946-9453 or contact us online.

Author

Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG As an expert in preventive care, innovative treatment solutions, and laparoscopic surgery, board-certified OB/GYN Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG, is a trusted practitioner who’s been in private practice since 1985. Dr. Zikria earned his doctor of medicine from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark. He went on to complete a competitive surgical residency program at Georgetown University in Washington. Dr. Zikria then went through a comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology residency program through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at the Magee-Women’s Hospital. He welcomes new and existing patients to his practice in Milpitas, California.